WA-BAGEL by ABURI

21 Best Restaurants in Vancouver

"After enjoying Japanese-style bagels in Japan, ABURI Restaurants (Miku, Minami, Aburi Hana) founder Seigo Nakamura brought them back to Vancouver this past fall, opening WA-BAGEL in the city’s Downtown District. Tucked within Park Place Building on its concourse level, discover a counter-service destination fueling locals-in-the-know with a premium selection of just-made bagels and sandwiches. Head baker Yukiko Iikura had her own popular Japanese-style bagel shop in Tokyo, so it’s safe to say she excels in the craft, demonstrating her prowess in crispy, chewy bagels in a variety of flavors (including Mochi Matcha, Kinako Chocolate, and Sweet Potato & Black Sesame). Try them in sandwich form, too, in options like the Pacific (with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and Japanese shiso herb) and Aburi Veggie (with grilled seasonal vegetables, Japanese citrus, and garlic hummus). Certain bagels will sell out, so arrive early in the day for your best chances of snagging your favorite." - Guy Saddy, Nicole Schnitzler